Born Phoebe Anne Moses in 1860 in Darke County, Ohio, Annie Oakley had a worldwide appeal few modern individuals can match. A noted competitor in rifle, shotgun and handgun, she was the first woman star of Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show, and America's first female shooting trainer. As a celebrity firearm instructor, she trained over 15,000 women in safe firearm handling and marksmanship.

Annie practiced daily to maintain her shooting skills, and it is estimated she fired more than 40,000 rounds each year over a 40-year period! Only five feet tall and a hundred pounds, "Little Sure Shot" promoted an exercise program which included bicycle riding to build stamina for her strenuous shooting activities. Despite being billed as a "cowgirl" during her 17-year career in Wild West shows, Annie prided herself in presenting a ladylike image to her audience and refused to shoot from a horse unless she was riding sidesaddle. A proponent of women's rights during the first World War, Annie Oakley offered to raise a regiment of women sharpshooters for home service, but was turned down by the U.S. Army.

Many American and foreign firearm companies alike presented Annie Oakley with engraved arms during her career, but Annie refused to endorse any brand or model. True to her giving nature, the numerous gold and silver shooting medals that she had earned over the years were melted down shortly before her death in 1926 and the proceeds were donated to charity.